Rhinoplasty’s Popularity Continues to Rise

Rhinoplasty has become dramatically more popular across the country and around the world. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery the trend, appropriately named rhino-popularity, moved the nose-reshaping procedure to the third most requested surgery for women, the most requested surgery for women under 35, and the most popular facial plastic surgery for men.

According to the AAFRPS over 500,000 patients sought a rhinoplasty consultation in 2012, and the number continues to rise every year. Why has the demand for rhinoplasty increased? Facial plastic surgeons have pinpointed a few reasons for the rhino-popularity phenomenon.

More Accessible, Less Exclusive

Cosmetic surgery used to be a high-end commodity, something that was only accessible and affordable to the wealthy. There also used to be fewer plastic surgeons from which to choose. And there was less information available to the general public about the procedures.

That’s not the case anymore. Prospective patients can now find as much information as they would like to know about everything from Botox to breast implants. Patients can also learn about their doctors before ever making an appointment. Just about every plastic surgeon has a personal website for their practice, and there are patient review blogs and forums available so new patients can learn from former patients. Plastic surgery has been demystified and as such, has become more commonplace.

Plastic surgery has also become easier to afford. Patients can now work out payment plans or secure special financing through their bank. There are also medical credit cards or loans available. Plastic surgery can still be considered a luxury, but it’s a much more attainable luxury.

One of the other major developments in rhinoplasty is the growth of rhinoplasty specialties. Ethnic rhinoplasty, such as Asian rhinoplasty, is now considered a specialty in which surgeons give their patient a natural-looking nose that also remains true to the patient’s culture and ethnicity. Rhinoplasty surgeons can also specialize in revision rhinoplasty.

What Makes People Want to Look Like Celebrities?

The obvious answer is that just about every picture of them makes them appear flawless and as handsome or beautiful as possible. However, people are also attracted to the fame and power that comes from being a celebrity, not to mention the attention that their great facial attributes receive. Not every celebrity nose works on every face, but it doesn’t stop people from trying to get one. In case you’re curious, Brad Pitt’s nose and Natalie Portman’s nose were the most popular celebrity noses requested by patients.

Now that plastic surgery is more readily available and easier to finance, it isn’t just for celebrities anymore. That doesn’t stop normal, non-celebrities from wanting to look like them. Last year saw a major jump in the number of patients requesting procedures to give them some aspect of a celebrity’s face. In fact, 13 percent of surgeons reported an increase in celebrity procedure requests. This may not sound like much, but considering that only 3 percent of surgeons reported the same in 2012, the increase is huge.

The Social Media Effect and Those Selfies

Early last year, plastic surgeons reported seeing a growing demand for facial surgeries in 2013 thanks to the influence of social media and selfies. Sites like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook made people more conscious of their faces and all their little details or imperfections. This trend didn’t slow down in 2014; in fact, of all the procedures requested as a result of social media, rhinoplasty topped the list.

Why rhinoplasty rather than things like Botox or a facelift? Most social media users are teenagers or in their early to mid-twenties. People in this age range don’t worry about seeing wrinkles or having to make their eyes look younger. They do, however, take the greatest number of selfies, which means they show off their faces to the internet all the time. Since they don’t have to think about wrinkles yet, most of them pay particular attention to their nose.

A Little Goes a Long Way In Rhinoplasty

The nose is the focal point of your face. Being in the center of your face, it can also be a point of self-consciousness or insecurity. Most rhinoplasty surgeries don’t require a complete reconstruction of the nose. Instead they usually involve smaller and more subtle changes.

How does this contribute to the popularity of rhinoplasty? Most patients are surprised to discover how much an impact such a small adjustment has on the overall appearance of their face. It gives them a boost in confidence and self-worth which extends into other areas of their life. When other people see how much a patient’s life has changed after rhinoplasty without having to get a whole new nose, it makes them consider rhinoplasty for themselves or other people they know. Small changes are also less expensive than big changes in rhinoplasty, which gets back to how much more affordable the surgery is.

Schedule a Rhinoplasty Consultation Today

Dr. Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS of the Naderi Center Rhinoplasty & Cosmetic Surgery is a facial plastic surgeon located in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Dr. Naderi has dedicated himself and his practice to the specialty of rhinoplasty, treating the area of the nose both cosmetically and functionally. Because of his dedication to each patient, he always seeks the best approach to improve both form and function. His goal is a nose that works with and complements the face. His specialties include rhinoplasty ,septoplasty, and revision rhinoplasty and reconstruction. The results of just some of his work can be seen here in the Naderi Center Photo Gallery.

Dr. Naderi is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure, and want to consult with an experienced Washington, DC-area facial plastic surgeon, call the Naderi Center Rhinoplasty & Cosmetic Surgery. For the convenience of his patients, he has two office locations: one in Herndon, VA (703 481-0002) and the other in Chevy Chase, MD (301 222-2020). Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The doctor can also be reached by email.